NFL
By: George Lopez
The USC Trojans look to make it three wins in a row as they hit the road for the first time this season when they open BIG10 play against Purdue. The Boilermakers are also looking to make it three straight wins to start their season. This will be a true test to see whether the Trojans have learned from their first season in the Big Ten, where the defense faltered at the end of games last season.
In their first two games, the Trojans have averaged 64 points per game, their highest points per game average since 2005. In their first two games, the Trojans have used a balanced offensive attack. Quarterback Jayden Maiava had a perfect start against Georgia Southern, completing 16-24 passes for 412 yards and 4 touchdowns. Maiava has done a good job of taking care of the football in the first two games, with zero interceptions in his first 42 pass attempts. The Trojan quarterbacks have focused on spreading the ball around, as eight receivers had at least 1 reception against Georgia Southern. Leading the way was Makai Lemon with 4 receptions for 158 yards and 2 touchdowns. Look for Maiava to continue to spread the ball around to multiple receivers to keep the Boilermakers’ pass coverage honest.
The Trojans’ rushing attack amassed 309 yards on 33 carries against Georgia Southern. RB Waymond Jordan led the rushing attack with 167 yards on 16 carries and 1 touchdown. Eli Sanders added 52 yards on 8 carries and 2 touchdowns. The Trojans’ offensive line has been able to maintain its blocks and open running lanes for the Trojans’ ball carriers. The offensive line has done a good job with pass protection, allowing 1 sack through the first two games. Look for Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley to continue to use a balanced offensive attack against the Boilermakers.
The Boilermakers are coming off a 34-17 victory against Southern Illinois. Quarterback Ryan Browne leads the Boilermakers’ offense. On the season, Browne has passed for 481 yards with 4 touchdowns and 1 interception. Similar to the Trojans’ passing attack, Browne will spread the ball around. Against Southern Illinois, Browne completed passes to nine different receivers. Trojans defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn will look to devise a defensive game plan to take away the first couple of reads from Browne as the Trojans’ pass rush looks to bring pressure. Browne can scramble and extend plays, as he accounted for 50 rushing yards against Southern Illinois. The Trojans’ edge rushers will need to maintain outside leverage to prevent Browne from escaping to the edge, while the Trojans’ interior defensive line will look to bring pressure up the middle and get Browne off his spot.
As solid as Browne has been leading the Boilermakers’ offense, they identify as a run-heavy offense. Against Southern Illinois, the Boilermakers ran for 214 yards on 53 carries. RB Devin Mockobee is the Boilermakers’ workhorse. Through their first two games, Mockobee has 46 rush attempts for 185 yards and 3 touchdowns, with 32 carries coming against Southern Illinois. Antonio Harris and Malachi Thomas should be expected to see playing time in the backfield to give Mockobee a breather. Look for Coach Lynn to be aggressive with his run defense to limit the Boilermakers’ rushing attack. The Trojans do need to be mindful of Browne taking shots downfield if the Trojans use man-to-man coverage in their secondary.
The Trojans face their first test as they open BIG10 play on the road. Look for Coach Riley to continue to keep his offensive attack balanced and exploit advantages against the Boilermakers’ defense. Defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn will look to limit the Boilermakers’ rushing attack and force them to become one-dimensional. In the end, look for the Trojans to improve their record to 3-0 with a hard-fought victory on the road.
